The new BMW M6 convertible must be a lot of fun to drive, because one auto journalist from the Pacific Northwest managed to hit 136 MPH on a public street during a vehicle launch in California last month. We have a record of this not because the journalist admitted to it in an article, but because he got popped by the California Highway Patrol.

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It's just another case of "Driving While An Auto Journalist."

Why, exactly, this particular journo decided he needed to go nearly 81 mph over the speed limit is a little unclear. Yes, you can learn about a vehicle's high speed stability over 100 mph, but that's usually limited to the track or the Autobahn.

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I've definitely exceeded the speed limit on a public road in a press car, as most auto journalists have, but I've yet to get caught and can't imagine a scenario when I'd go this fast on what looks like an undivided local road without zombies being involved.

Upon a first conviction of a violation of this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500). The court may also suspend the privilege of the person to operate a motor vehicle for a period not to exceed 30 days pursuant to Section 13200.5.

I'd say someone gets a ticket on roughly 50% of the press drives, based on my experience. It's better than flipping a car, I suppose.